How does one get so behind???? Well... life happens. Kids grow up, move out, move on, come back, they have their own children, life doesn't turn out like you thought it would.... but better, you have trials, and ups and downs, and wonderful things come from them. So, like I said, life happens. I've grown, I've learned, I've struggled, which happens to all of us as we go thru our lives. We learn, we live and we love and things change, for good and for bad, and for hard, but my hope is that we learn from it all and continue on. Endure, but enjoy the journey.
So let's try to recap really quickly of what has happened over the last 5 years!
2012
In May of 2012 my daughter's boyfriend, Dillon Simons got baptized and he from Sheldon High school.
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| Dillon and Elder Tafuna |
Summer came and went with lots of baseball games and gymnastics and fun times. School started up again with Courtney as a Senior at Sheldon HS, Tyler as a Sophomore at Pleasant Grove HS, Josh as an 8th grader at Heritage Peak Charter school, and Zach in 6th grade at Dillard Elementary. Courtney was still cheering, Tyler and Zach still playing baseball and Josh still competing gymnastics.
December came and Courtney graduated HS early.
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| Leaving her at college |
She turned 18 and both her and Dillon went off to BYUI in January 2013. Life was different with Courtney being gone but I soon realized I could handle my own being out numbered with the boys!
May came and Josh and Zach both promoted, and Tyler became an Eagle Scout.
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| Promotion from 6th grade |
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| Promotion from 8th grade |
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| Eagle Scout |
That summer in July we took a family vacation to Hawaii for 10 days and had a wonderful time!!
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| Upon arrival in Hawaii |
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| We got to take all the kids to the temple in Hawaii to do baptisms. It was Zach's first time ever, he had just turned 12. |
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| At the temple |
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| Polynesian Cultural Center! |
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| Such a great time! |
School started again for everyone and Courtney and Dillon came home from Idaho to do school online.
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| Tyler's first day as a Junior |
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| Josh's first day as a Freshman |
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| Zach's first day as a 7th grader |
In October Dillon proposed to Courtney it was so sweet. She was so surprised even though she was the only one who didn't know it was going to happen.
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| Getting into a limo and she has no idea what's next |
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| The proposal |
2013
Tyler was on the swim team and really enjoyed it!
Josh was still excelling in gymnastics. Competing at Level 9 and ready to start level 10 in January.
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| Josh's last meet saying Goodbye is hard to do! |
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| Johs's team |
Until.... Josh had injured his back so we took him into the Dr. they sent us for an MRI and when the Dr. called he told us he needed to be seen by a Spine Specialist. We made the appointment and drove to Roseville to meet Dr. Matthews. We received the most devastating news. Josh's back was broken and he would not be able to continue his career in gymnastics. That appointment was a very long, emotional, tear filled appointment. Dr. said that he had an old break that was about 2 years old that had never had a chance to heal, (because we weren't aware of it) and a new break. He sent us straight to a place where they custom fit a brace to Josh and he was to wear it 24 hours a day for 6 months.
This news was heartbreaking not only for Josh but for our entire family. This was his life! He was in the gym 6 days a week for 6 hours a day! It was his passion. We knelt that night as a family and had prayer. I felt a calm and comforting feeling, a reassurance that everything was going to be ok.
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| The first day of the brace |
Tyler had surgery to have a birthmark removed that was beginning to change and could potentially become cancerous.
Zach got braces...
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| Showing off the snaggle tooth |
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Before
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2014
Easter 2014
The wedding planning was in full force and we were having so much fun! The day came and it was pouring but Courtney loves the rain so she didn't care at all! My grandfather, Courtney's Great Grandfather was able to come to the Sacramento temple to seal them for time and all eternity. It was a beautiful ceremony!
The reception was the next day and thank goodness the rain had stopped!
That summer in July 2014 we lost Troy's dad. He had been sick for so long. Here is a picture just days before he went into the hospital. Troy had bought a new truck and was so excited to take his dad for a ride in it. It was so special to see Troy carry his dad and put him into the truck. Dale is smiling so much and as I took the picture it brought tears to my eyes, he even said to me, "why are you crying" and I said, "because it's so nice to see you smile" it was just a few days later that he passed.
By summertime, because Josh had worn his back brace 24/7 like the Dr. had said, he said the fracture was looking so good and he told Josh he could take it off and only wear it if he felt he needed it. He asked if he could maybe do some tumbling and try out for competitive cheer and the Dr. said sure, just be careful. So, Tyler and Josh decided to go out for a competitive cheer team and they made it. However, part way into the season, Josh re-injured his back but this time it was worse Dr. told him no more sports and back into the brace to see if it would heal. Tyler ended up having to compete without his brother and he did a great job!!
The 2 of them would drive to Rocklin a few times a week for practice and Josh would help coach, while Tyler would practice.
Josh's back did not heal as we had hoped and so he had to have surgery to fuse his spine together. L4-L5. This surgery was so much harder than I had ever thought it would be. He was in so much pain and had to be coached on walking again after surgery. He was in the hospital for almost a week, and then missed school for 3 months. After the 3 months he was to do no sports or work outs for 12 months.
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| The day he had come home was Halloween and everyone stopped by to say Hello |
Tyler continued to compete for Power Cheer and was having a great time.
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| Josh would come to all the comps to support his brother |
We had a wonderful Christmas and during winter break we went to Utah to spend some time at our cousin Jenny and Dave's cabin and have a wonderful few days in the snow, sledding and snow-mobiling.
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| Ringing in the New Year 2015 |
We even had some family photos done.
As school started again in January 2015 we were preparing for Tyler's graduation and starting the paperwork for his mission, he continued to compete for Power, finishing up his season.
We went to SF for a quick little weekend with the boys.
Zach injured his ankle running in PE just weeks before school was out. So no more baseball for the season.
Josh got clearance from his surgeon to start tumbling. He was able to do the stunt team at the HS for the Senior rally with Tyler. It was so fun to watch the 2 of them together out there and watch Josh do what he loves again!!
Zach promoted from 8th grade and Tyler graduated from HS.
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| Zach had a cast and a scooter during promotion. The school even had to bring in a ramp specifically for him for promotion. |
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| Senior Portraits |
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| We had a little get together to celebrate the 4 boys graduating! Brad Wangsgard, Hunter Sorenson, Tyler and Taylor Hall |
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| Luggage for graduation |
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| Right after graduation Taylor and Tyler |
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| Proud parents! |
We went on our annual camping trip to Santa Cruz the end of May.
We spent the beginning of summer with Josh going back to cheering at Power. He got permission to go back to competing because after surgery his back healed so quickly and the Dr. was so impressed. Josh was so excited to do something active again and something that involved tumbling, and competing. Zachary was playing summer baseball for the HS team as an incoming freshman and Tyler was finishing and submitted his mission papers.
Tyler's call came in the mail the weekend of July 4th. We drove down to the mailbox, Troy, me and Tyler and there it was.
We called everyone and put out an announcement on Facebook that he would be opening his call at 5pm. But Tyler actually opened his call with just us family surrounding him at first.
There was such a sweet spirit in the room as Tyler read the words to his call. He would be serving in the NYNY North Mission, reporting October 14th, 2015. I immediately had an overwhelming feeling that confirmed to me that NY was exactly where he was suppose to be. Just looking at these pictures remind me of that sweet, sweet day!
At 5 pm people started showing up for the reading of his call and we had a house full!
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| Before |
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| NYNY North Mission |
We did some fun family adventures with the kids knowing that Tyler would be leaving in October.
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| Wake Island |
Josh had been growing out his hair for months and months! We grew to love the fro, but it was getting too hot so he decided to cut it off!
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Before
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| After |
In July after the boys were done with EFY, Troy and I went to Utah for some family fun! We did some hiking and had a great time.
In August we went to Mexico as a family. One last family trip before Tyler left.
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| Kayaking |
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| Getting ready to zip line |
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| Boys went deep sea fishing had a blast! |
School started in Fall
Zach played on the Freshman football team and had a great time.
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| Newbold #18 |
Josh was in ASB (Leadership) and he was over the Flock so he was over the school spirit. At football games Josh would show up in all different types of costumes. He would run the flags when a touchdown was made, and it wasn't unusual to see him doing flips all the down the track. He had such a great time and we loved watching him.
Tyler went thru the temple in September when the Watts were in town, for Cassie's wedding, so everyone could be there.
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Tyler went through the temple and was called as an Ordinance worker
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On conference Sunday Courtney had asked Tyler if in between sessions he could take their pictures for their Christmas card, so they left and did pics. When they got back Tyler sat at the computer editing the pictures like he always does and then later came into the family room and so they could show them to us. He hooked up his phone to the TV so we could see them and this is what appeared.
You can only imagine how loud I screamed!!! My parents were there too and me and my mom ran to Courtney and hugged her and screamed and jumped up and down! We were all so excited! Baby Simons due May 2016.
We shopped and packed for Tyler and spent lots of time together as a family.
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| Tyler's Open House |
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| Elder Newbold (after his setting apart) |
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| The morning he left for Utah |
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| Saying good bye to Zach |
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| Saying good bye to Josh |
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| His sweet dogs |
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| Saying goodbye to Dillon |
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| Saying goodbye to Courtney |
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| We flew with Tyler to SLC and the first thing we did was go to a session at the SLC temple. So amazing |
We spent the night in Provo and went to dinner after the temple. Had some sweet time just the 3 of us. Then the next morning we woke up and met some friends for breakfast and then headed to the Provo temple for some pictures before we dropped him off at the MTC.
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| Curbside at the MTC |
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| Bye Mom and Dad |
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| See ya in 2 |
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As soon as we pulled away from the MTC I wiped my tears and said I need a drink... so we went to SWIG!
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In December we got to go to Courtney's ultra sound. She was going to find out the gender but NO ONE would know that night, except Troy and Zach. The rest of us would find out at the Gender Reveal party, that Troy and Zach were throwing for them. Zach even came up with the theme, Pom Poms or Pads, because they met in HS and Courtney was a cheerleader and Dillon was a football player. Troy and Zach decorated a locker that we had and when it was time they opened it up to reveal what she was having.....
IT'S A GIRL!!!! IT'S A GIRL!!!! IT'S A GIRL!!!!
*Out of timeline order* Starting in the middle of Summer we did an addition on to our house. We added a little over 1200sf. A master bedroom, bathroom, half bath and game room, with a finished attic space on top. It was finished the end of October.
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| First day. Demo day! Tearing off the stucco to start the framing and foundation. |
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| Foundation was poured |
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| Framing has begun |
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| Plumbing, Electrical, insulation, lots going on. |
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| Tearing down the wall to the existing house so they now connect from the inside |
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| Drywall |
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| Stucco |
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| Game Room |
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| Game Room |
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| Game Room |
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| Half Bath |
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| Master Tub |
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| Master Vanity |
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| Master Closet |
It was a huge project but it was so worth it. The house feels complete now. We have a wonderful master bedroom on one side of the house, with the kids rooms all on the other side. There is plenty of room for all the teenagers that are here all the time now that we have the game room and the attic done. Its so wonderful!
This Christmas we had lots of excitement as we waited anxiously to Facetime with our missionary.
We had such a great time listening to his experiences, hearing his voice, interacting with him. It was such an amazing experience for us. It was the BEST Christmas present EVER! and Im so excited that I will have missionaries serving for about 6 years straight and I will be able to experience this each Christmas day and Mother's Day!
We went to the cabin again during Christmas break and had a great time relaxing and playing in the snow and having a great time as a family!
2016
2016 brought A LOT of traveling for Josh and I, with his cheer team, he competed on 2 levels so it was twice the practices and competitions. We went to Vegas, LA, Texas, Florida, and lots of other places. It was such a great time watching him tumble and watching his team do so well. They were able to qualify for World's in Florida so Josh and I were able to spend a week in Orlando at DisneyWorld and he was able to compete at the ESPN Zone. What an amazing experience that was.
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| Josh and his friend Miranda |
Zach was playing ball for the Freshman team!
In May for Mother's Day we were able to Facetime again with our favorite missionary! That was a wonderful day!! And Courtney is about to pop with that little baby!
The end of May is finally here and we are all so excited with the anticipation of Baby Akayla's arrival!! She was born May 27th early in the morning.
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| Finding out she's really in labor and they are keeping her at the hospital! |
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| SUPER PROUD and excited to be grandparents |
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| Akayla meeting Grandpa for the first time |
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| Akayla and Uncle Shua |
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| Akayla and Uncle Zach |
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| Akayla had a whole swarm of visitors her first day of life. She will forever be surrounded by boys. They were all ready to leave for our annual Santa Cruz camping trip and they all came to the hospital on the way out of town, but once there, no one wanted to leave. They were so in love! |
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| Dr. Jordan was Troy's pediatrician, my own kids pediatrician and the Dr. who was on call to check Akayla out. What a fun surprise! |
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| Great Grandparents so in awe of such beauty! |
We received word from Uncle Elder Newbold that he got the pictures of his niece.
Some of Akayla's newborn pictures
At 3 days old we decided to drive down to Santa Cruz and camp with the rest of the family. We have a trailer so we knew baby and mama would be very comfortable. WE all had so much fun!
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| Hanging out in the trailer with daddy |
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| All ready for the sunshine |
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| Sleeping in the trailer |
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| Tradition... Pizza my heart in Capitola |
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| This is where all the boys sleep each year. Hammocking in the trees |
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Our fun group!!
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For the 4th of July weekend Courtney and Dillon and Akayla and I drove to Red Bluff and Portland, Oregon so Akayla could meet her Great Great Grandparents.
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| Akayla meeting Great Great Grandma Watts |
After stopping in Red Bluff to meet Great Great Grandma Watts we drove to Portland to introduce Akayla to Great Great Grandma and Grandpa Doty. We walked right into where they were having lunch and they were so excited and surprised!
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| Akayla and Great Great Grandma Doty |
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| Akayla and Great Great Grandpa Doty |
With all of us grandchildren and great grandchildren and now with the first great great grandchild, Grandpa did his horsey ride! These are such precious moments for me. My grandparents mean the world to me and I have so many wonderful memories growing up with them. I am so grateful that they were able to meet Akayla. It was amazing to have 5 generations together.
We had a great weekend with them. We attended church together, where of course Grandpa was so proud to introduce us all to everyone.
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| The patriarch of our family and 5 generations, Joseph Kenneth Doty, Corinne Doty, Linda Doty Watts, Ashlee Watts Newbold, Courtney Newbold Simons, and Akayla Simons |
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| 5 generations of all first born girls. Pretty amazing. Corinne Doty, Linda Watts, Ashlee Newbold, Courtney Simons and Akayla Simons. |
We went on a small hike with Aunt Cassandra and Uncle Kevin. We enjoyed the 4th with fireworks with family and had a wonderful weekend with lots of memories made!
While we were in Portland, Troy and Josh and Zach were away at a baseball tournament.
Troy and I were in charge of planning our Youth Stake Pioneer Trek for the summer, of course with lots and lots of help from others. We had a wonderful time and the kids really enjoyed themselves. It was nice to be able to experience it with our youngest 2 kids.
The end of July after the boys finished their EFY session we went to Utah to join them. We met up with Courtney's best friends and got to visit and they met Akayla. We went boating and had a wonderful vacation spending time as a family.
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| Kendal and Akayla |
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| Brittany and Akayla |
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| Ashley and Akayla |
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| The whole gang |
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| Barry Bigelow one of Troy's best friends and companions from his mission. |
In August, after we got home Akayla was blessed. It was so nice to have Dillon's family there with us all to share in the special occasion.
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| There was a wonderful group of people there to share the special day. |
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| Akayla and Grandpop Simons |
The boys went back to school Josh as a Senior and Zach as a Sophomore.
Troy and I were in Hawaii on their first day of school. We got to go have a wonderful vacation away, while Courtney and Dillon took care of things at home for us.
The boys were cheerleaders for the Powder Puff football game and they were great! Courtney was in charge of teaching them the half time dance and they were GREAT!!
They all went to Homecoming and had a great time with friends. And of course they all looked great!
We called everyone and put out an announcement on Facebook that he would be opening his call at 5pm. But Tyler actually opened his call with just us family surrounding him at first.
